When it comes to sports performance and fitness training, athletes are constantly seeking ways to enhance their output, minimize injury risks, and maximize comfort. One product that has been a game-changer for athletes across disciplines is the performance mouthpiece. While mouthguards have long been associated with contact sports like football, boxing, and martial arts, performance mouthpieces are proving to be valuable tools for a wide range of activities, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, running, and heavy lifting.
At New Age Performance, we offer a variety of mouthpieces designed with different thicknesses to meet the specific needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. But why does thickness matter? How do varying thicknesses impact your training, comfort, and protection? In this blog post, we will explore how the thickness of a mouthpiece can make a significant difference in your performance, and we’ll provide insights on which type of mouthpiece might be best suited for your particular sport or fitness regimen.
Why Mouthpiece Thickness Matters
Mouthpieces serve a dual purpose: protecting your teeth and gums from impact and providing stability to your jaw. The right mouthpiece can improve your overall performance by helping with breathing, reducing tension in your jaw, and enhancing your focus. However, not all mouthpieces are created equal, and one of the key factors that differentiates them is thickness.
The thickness of a mouthpiece is not just about how bulky or thin it feels in your mouth—it can also influence how much protection it provides and how comfortable it is for long-term use. Thicker mouthpieces tend to offer more cushioning and protection, making them ideal for high-impact sports, while thinner mouthpieces are often favored for activities that require less contact but more breathability and freedom of movement.
The Range of Thickness in New Age Performance Mouthpieces
At New Age Performance, we offer mouthpieces in various thickness levels to cater to different needs:
- Low-Profile (Thinner) Mouthpieces
- Mid-Profile (Medium Thickness) Mouthpieces
- High-Profile (Thicker) Mouthpieces
Let’s break down the benefits of each and examine which activities they are best suited for.
1. Low-Profile Mouthpieces: The Perfect Fit for HIIT, Yoga, and Everyday Use
Low-profile mouthpieces, like our 5DS Mid Profile and 6DS Low Profile models, are designed to be thinner, offering a more comfortable and streamlined fit. These mouthpieces are perfect for athletes who need protection without feeling weighed down or restricted in their breathing.
Benefits of Low-Profile Mouthpieces:
- Enhanced Breathability: A thinner design allows for easier breathing, which is crucial during high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, or running. You can focus more on your workout and less on adjusting your mouthpiece.
- Comfort for Long-Term Wear: Low-profile mouthpieces are less bulky, making them comfortable for extended use. Whether you’re practicing yoga for an hour or participating in an intense HIIT session, you won’t feel like you have something cumbersome in your mouth.
- Mobility & Flexibility: Athletes engaged in activities requiring agility and flexibility, such as yoga, dance, or running, will appreciate the low-profile mouthpiece for its unobtrusive design. It won’t interfere with jaw movement or speech.
Who Should Use Low-Profile Mouthpieces?
- HIIT enthusiasts: Since HIIT involves fast-paced, high-intensity exercises, breathing control is essential. A low-profile mouthpiece will help regulate airflow without adding bulk.
- Yoga practitioners: A thinner mouthpiece will allow for free jaw movement during yoga poses, especially those that involve breathing exercises like pranayama.
- Runners: Runners benefit from a lighter mouthpiece that helps them maintain optimal breathing without extra weight.
Recommended Products:
- 5DS Mid Profile: Ideal for HIIT, yoga, running, and everyday activities. It’s a thinner model, designed for maximum comfort during daily routines and intense workouts.
- 6DS Low Profile: The thinnest 6DS model, offering performance benefits for athletes who need a lightweight, comfortable option.
2. Mid-Profile Mouthpieces: Balancing Protection and Comfort for Versatile Use
Mid-profile mouthpieces strike a balance between thickness and breathability, offering both protection and comfort. These mouthpieces are suitable for a wide range of activities, from strength training to contact sports, making them one of the most versatile options on the market.
Benefits of Mid-Profile Mouthpieces:
- Enhanced Protection: While not as thick as high-profile mouthpieces, mid-profile options offer more cushioning than their low-profile counterparts, making them ideal for moderate-impact sports and activities.
- Versatility: The medium thickness is a great middle ground for athletes who want protection and comfort without the extra bulk.
- Jaw Alignment: Like all New Age Performance mouthpieces, mid-profile options help to align the jaw, which can reduce stress on the neck and shoulders, improving overall performance.
Who Should Use Mid-Profile Mouthpieces?
- Weightlifters and CrossFit athletes: These athletes require both protection and the ability to breathe freely during their lifts. A mid-profile mouthpiece is a great option for them.
- Mixed-use athletes: If you engage in a variety of activities, from running to lifting to playing sports, a mid-profile mouthpiece offers the protection and comfort needed for multi-sport versatility.
Recommended Products:
- 5DS Mid Profile: This versatile mouthpiece is great for both high-intensity activities like HIIT and everyday use, offering a balanced combination of protection and comfort.
3. High-Profile Mouthpieces: Maximum Protection for Heavy Lifting and Contact Sports
High-profile mouthpieces, such as our 6DS Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece, are designed for maximum protection. These mouthpieces are thicker and provide more cushioning, making them ideal for athletes who engage in contact sports or activities that require jaw stability and impact resistance.
Benefits of High-Profile Mouthpieces:
- Maximum Protection: The added thickness offers superior protection for your teeth and jaw, which is essential during heavy lifting or high-impact sports like football, boxing, and MMA.
- Jaw Stability: A high-profile mouthpiece provides greater jaw stability, reducing the risk of jaw-related injuries and enhancing performance by allowing you to clench without discomfort.
- Impact Absorption: Athletes in contact sports will appreciate the extra padding and protection that high-profile mouthpieces provide, absorbing impact and reducing the risk of concussions.
Who Should Use High-Profile Mouthpieces?
- Powerlifters and Strongman athletes: When lifting heavy weights, jaw clenching is natural, and a high-profile mouthpiece will help stabilize the jaw and reduce pressure on the teeth.
- Contact sport athletes: Football, rugby, boxing, and MMA participants benefit from the extra cushioning, reducing the risk of dental and jaw injuries during impacts.
- Combat sports enthusiasts: From martial arts to boxing, the thicker design is crucial for protecting the teeth and jaw from strikes.
Recommended Products:
- 6DS Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece: This model is perfect for heavy lifters and athletes in contact sports, providing maximum protection and jaw stability.
Choosing the Right Thickness for You
So how do you choose the right thickness for your mouthpiece? Consider your sport or fitness activity and your personal preference for comfort and protection.
- If you’re primarily focused on cardio-intensive activities like HIIT, running, or yoga, a low-profile mouthpiece is likely the best choice.
- For those who engage in a mix of weightlifting and cardio, or for multi-sport athletes, a mid-profile mouthpiece offers the best of both worlds.
- If you’re involved in heavy lifting or contact sports, a high-profile mouthpiece will give you the added protection and jaw stability you need.
Conclusion
The thickness of your mouthpiece plays a significant role in its overall performance and comfort. From lightweight, breathable designs for yoga and HIIT to thick, protective options for contact sports and heavy lifting, New Age Performance mouthpieces are engineered to meet the demands of every athlete. By understanding how thickness impacts protection, breathability, and comfort, you can make an informed decision about which mouthpiece is best suited for your sport or activity.
At New Age Performance, we are committed to helping athletes reach their full potential by providing the best mouthpiece technology on the market. Explore our range of mouthpieces, find the thickness that works best for you, and experience the difference in your performance.